CV production falls again

The manufacturing of commercial vehicles fell by 34.6 per cent to 6,312 units in November 2017, according to figures by the SMMT. It was the ninth month of decline for UK commercial vehicle production in 2017.

Domestic demand dropped by 16.8 per cent and demand from overseas markets declined by 40.7 per cent. However, the proportion of commercial vehicles built for export remains high at 67.5 per cent.

“November marks the ninth month of negative growth for UK commercial vehicle production in 2017,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “While fleet purchasing cycles have fluctuated, declining confidence among operators in the CV market is no doubt affecting production.

“To stimulate demand and safeguard the competitiveness of our industry, we need urgent clarity on transition arrangements and the nature of our long-term future relationship with Europe.”